This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2009) |
Type | Candy |
---|---|
Place of origin | United States |
Region or state | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Main ingredients | Cinnamon, sugar, coconut and cream cheese |
Irish potato candy is a traditional candy from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Despite its name, it is not from Ireland, and does not usually contain any potato.[1] The candies have a coconut cream inside (generally made from some blend of coconut, confectioner's sugar, vanilla, and cream or cream cheese) and are rolled in cinnamon on the outside, resulting in an appearance reminiscent of small potatoes.[1][2] The treats are about the size of a large marble and are especially popular around St. Patrick's Day.[1]
Oh Ryan's of Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, claims to be the largest distributor of Irish Potatoes, shipping about 80,000 pounds to major chains and smaller candy stores, mostly in the Philadelphia area.[3] See's Candies, based in South San Francisco, also makes a version composed of a divinity and English walnut interior dusted with cocoa and using pine nuts as potato "eyes".[3] The potatoes are showcased as a seasonal product by Philadelphia-area supermarkets, such as Acme Markets.